The D.A.S.G. is aware that parents/carers in Derbyshire who have a child or young person within the Spectrum of Autism are often in need of extra support. Therefore the organisation provides a befriending scheme and a sitting service. To qualify for either service you must live in Derbyshire and be caring for a child or young person within the spectrum. The Befriending scheme is available to young people from the age of 11 onwards, but there is no age restriction for users of the sitting service.
The services are provided by volunteers who are:-
i. recruited
ii. specially trained
iii. carefully matched to a family who have asked to be considered for one of the services.
After initial meetings where everyone gets to know each other, the service can begin.
Unfortunately, due to funding, we are not able to meet all requests for services. Some applicants may have to be put onto a waiting list and be matched with a volunteer/worker when one becomes available, but it may not be possible to match some applicants at all, depending on the needs of the person with Autism Spectrum Condition and the availability of volunteers/workers.
Families who choose the sitting service can have time to and for themselves on a regular basis, knowing that the young person is being cared for by a volunteer. This means time to shop, visit friends, socialise, or just simply relax, - YOU choose how to spend your time.
The Befriending scheme is aimed at increasing the leisure and independence skills of young people within the spectrum of autism.
As young people grow older, particularly as they become adolescents, it becomes less appropriate for them to go everywhere and do everything with their parents and/or families.
They need to mix with people their own age, to go to the pictures, go dancing, or swimming, go to the pub (if old enough of course!).
A Befriender is carefully chosen to become a friend to the young person with Autism Spectrum Condition, to be an appropriate role model, and to accompany him/her on various outings and activities.
The young person can be helped to learn appropriate behaviour patterns and to generally become increasingly more independent. Whilst the Befriender is with the young person, this again allows you, the parent/carer some time to yourself or to spend with other family members.
If you would like to know more about either the Sitting Service or the Befriending Scheme, please contact us for an application form :-
D.A.S.G., 28D High Street, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3HH
Tel (01773) 741221 Fax 01773 741220
Email : dasg@autismsupport.co.uk
